Our next work was to
cut out three forms, one of the shape shown in Fig. 106 and two like that
shown in Fig. 107. The first form was set up on the keelson midway between
the stem and stern, and the other two were spaced about four feet each
side of the center form. The center form was used only for shaping the
frame of the boat, and was not intended to be permanently affixed to the
canoe. Therefore, we fastened it to the keelson very lightly, so that it
could be readily removed. The other two forms, however, were made
permanent parts of the frame, serving as bulkheads. The gunwales were now
secured in position. These were of spruce 3/4 inch thick and 2 inches
wide. The ends were beveled off so as to neatly fit the stem piece and the
stern post, to which they were fastened by brass screws. Then we applied
the longitudinal strips, or rib bands, which were of 1/4-inch thick spruce
1 inch wide. Ten of these bands were used, equally spaced apart on the
center form, to which they were lightly tacked; but they were nailed
securely to the bulkheads and the stem piece and stern post. The cross
ribs were made of barrel hoops which we had soaked in water for a day or
so to render them pliable enough to be bent into place.
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